Hello, November!!

November is here and already in full force for me!! It's going to be a very busy month and I am truly ecstatic!! Last night my best friend from college, Heidi, got married. I had the honor of being one of her bridesmaids. The wedding was short and sweet and basically a fun party with all our closest friends from OSU! It was the first time since we graduated that all 7 of us close-knit girlfriends were together again. Although everyone's lives have changed, we definitely enjoyed being reunited!! I only have a few photos from the night until I get the ones the rest of the girls took.

Me & the lovely bride, Heidi

My handsome date! 

We make a good pair!! 

It was so much fun catching up with "the girls," and introducing them to Jason! They all really liked him, and he was certainly entertained spending the evening with all of us girls!! He's such a good sport!

The rest of the month is going to be a blast as well!! Thursday, I'm off to Sedona, Arizona for a few days of paradise (details to come)!! And in under three weeks, my sister, Jayslee will be in Portland for Thanksgivng!! I can't wait to see her!!

I hope everyone's month is starting off well, too!

P.S. I caught the bouquet last night! ;)

A Very Special Family

I'm off to watch (not so)baby brother, Jason's football game -GO APOLLOS!!!- but I wanted to share with you a sweet story about a dear friend. Her name is Sara. Her and her husband, Andy, and son, Owen, are in Uganda trying to complete the adoption process of a little boy and baby girl. They have been fighting over there for months now, and as a result neither of them are able to work. I got an update email from Sara the other day, and she mentioned that a friend of hers, Stephanie, is doing a fundraiser for them. I got really excited and quickly ordered two of these ornaments!!! 100% of the funds go right now The Ribbens Family. Here is a photo of the beautiful, handmade ornaments she's selling- go to her blog and check out the details!

I can't wait to get mine in the mail!!

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It's been almost a year!

WOW, my last blog post was nearly a year ago!! I can't believe it! What a year it has been!! I have a new job that I never imagined I would have, but I absolutely love it!! I am designing smartphone apps for small businesses!! So far, it's mostly restaurants, but I design and create mobile apps and submit them to the app stores in Android and Apple (iPhone/iPad)! Isn't that cool!?? I feel so super official and smart when I see the apps I made in the app stores! It's really fun!!! I've always thought I'd be happiest and most content working with children. This has nothing to do with kids, but I get to be creative and I get the challenge of making sales- it's truly exhilarating!! It's also refreshing to have a break from jobs that pull at my heartstrings so much. The jobs I've held since college were so painful at times. I was watching children and their families, suffering. And although I felt I could make a difference, it was extremely difficult. Now I'm giving my heart a break and having a wonderful time learning and having all these new experiences! (Here is some of my work- I also built the site from scratch! YEA!!)

I also have another huge, HUGE blessing in my life! I have a boyfriend. He's different than any other man I've ever dated or been interested in. He is literally everything I have prayed for!!! He is so many things I didn't even know I wanted or needed. Every other man I've dated has been "the life of the party" type of guy. My man is more on the quiet side. He has a gentle disposition and a great sense of humor! His laid back attitude certainly helps balance my passionate intensity! And his heart for the Lord and how natural it is for him to take that role of spiritual leadership in our relationship is the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced! It also doesn't hurt that he's the most attractive man I've ever seen in my life (seriously). He is tall, dark, handsome and HOT!!! I've never been so comfortable and so at peace with someone the way I am with him. He's truly a blessing, and I'm doing all I can to be the best "me" I can be and the woman God wants me to be.

A dozen roses "just because" from my amazing man!!

As for the rest of the updates... well, I'm still dealing with the chronic pelvic pain. It's honestly very difficult but I am so much mentally stronger than I was a year ago. I am handling it. I can push through it much, much better than I used to. And sleep is still a major struggle. I guess some things never change, but life is still oh, so good even with those challenges!! I am just so thankful for my life and all that I have going on right now. I am richly blessed!!

Here are a few photos from the last few months:
June:

My niece, Ellie, and I at the wedding! She's way too precious!

Me with the Bride and Groom ~ Chris and Erin got married June 25th

Me and Whitney at the wedding

July:

Sara, a friend from college and I when I visited her and her husband, Seth

August:

BFF, Nora, came for 2 weeks after we hadn't seen each other in over 3 years!!

We had a great time and I miss her always!

September:

Jordan and I when we went up to EWU to visit him and watch him play football - more on this soon!

Mom & I cheering for the EWU Eagles!

The Inferno- the nickname for Roos Field at Eastern Washington University (where Jordan plays)

October:

Hanging out with 2 of Amanda's 3 daughters. I love them!! Ashley (2)  & Addie (5)

Stay tuned, I am going to do another 30 days of Thanksgiving, starting Wednesday, October 26th. 

Christmas in Photos!!

Well, this year Christmas was so absolutely wonderful!!! The day before Christmas Eve, I got to see {my cousin} Whitney. She flew up from AZ and I was just thrilled to see her!! She also brought her boyfriend, Joey, with her. It was great to finally meet him and get to know him a little. Auntie Linda and Uncle Ronnie threw a Christmas open house that night. And it was really fun to catch up with lots of people I hadn't seen in quite awhile!!

Whit & Me at Open House

On Christmas Eve morning Mom, Whitney, Auntie Linda, Erin, Ritz, Baby Katie, Auntie Kathi and myself all went for pedicures. This is something we try to always do when Whit's in town. It was really fun!! After, I went home to finish some last minute wrapping and get ready for the evening.

Christmas Dress

We went to Candlelight Service {my favorite} at church, and then headed to RingSide for our annual Christmas Eve dinner and dessert and gifts at The Clark's.

Jordan C. & I before dinner

Christopher!

Erin {future sis in law} me, Whitney

Whitney & me and our moms

My Jordans

family photo*Jason, Jordan, Christopher

"the kids"

Kevin, my lil prince

me and baby Katie

So once we got to the Clark's from a YUMMY dinner {I had lobster and salmon with veggies and mashed potatoes} we spent the evening having dessert, exchanging gifts and playing games. We played Scattegories until 1 AM and it was SO. MUCH. FUN!! I absolutely adore my family!!

Chris and I both spent the night at my parents' house so we could all wake up together on Christmas morning. Him and I stayed up until the early morning hours {4ish} having heart to hearts. I really cherished that time with him, since it is likely the last, as he will be a newlywed next year at this time.

Christmas morning we listened to Chris read us the Christmas story from the book of Luke in the Bible before gifts. Then we opened gifts together and had a HUGE, yummy brunch together. It was good times. Then I headed home and Chris, up to WA to be with Erin's family. After I went home and showered, I went to spend some time with my friend and her baby girl. It was nice to catch up and see such dear friends on Christmas Day! Everyone else went to a dinner at some friends' of the family's house that night, but I was in too much pain to join them. Even though I wasn't feeling well, it was a truly blessed Christmas!!

Dad's Day in Photos

Last night was really fun! Here are some photos...

I love this one... Jason and Dad

Chris and Erin being their cute selves!

Mom and Dad

We got Dad this great coat! It fit too!!!

Dad & Me

Erin baked his fav!

...the only thing missing was Jordan... away at a banquet.